Haleakala National Park Reopened After Hurricane Nolo
Hawaii's Haleakala National Park has resumed operations following the recent passage of Hurricane Nolo.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in National Parks
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Haleakala National Park reopened on September 27, 2026, after closing earlier in the week due to the threat of Hurricane Nolo. Both the Summit and Kipahulu districts of the park are now accessible to the public.
Why it matters
The closure was a necessary safety precaution to protect visitors and staff from the potential impacts of the storm as it passed south-southwest of Hawaii. With the hurricane's passage, park officials have cleared the grounds for a return to standard visitor activities.
Haleakala National Park encompasses two distinct areas, the Summit and Kipahulu districts, both of which are now open. The park had been shut down entirely starting September 24 in preparation for the severe weather system.
The players
Haleakala National Park
This protected area located in Hawaii contains a dormant volcano and diverse ecosystems ranging from rainforests to alpine deserts.
Hurricane Nolo
This weather system passed south-southwest of Hawaii, prompting safety closures across various state facilities.
The details
Park services have resumed operations across all regions of the national park, allowing visitors to return to the landscape. While general access is restored, officials are phasing in specialized camping and reservation services over the coming days.
Timeline
September 24, 2026: The park closed ahead of the storm.
September 27, 2026: The park officially reopened to the public.
September 28, 2026: Sunrise reservations and camping services resume.
Travel Outlook
This reopening follows the standard safety protocols established by the National Park Service for managing visitor access during hurricane-force weather events. Such measures reflect the broader challenge of balancing tourism access with the realities of Hawaii's hurricane season.
Travelers should note that while general park access is restored, specific amenities like sunrise reservations and camping have staggered restart dates. Check the official park status portal to confirm the availability of your specific activity before heading to the summit.
The takeaway
Visitors planning trips to the park should remain flexible as operations return to full capacity following extreme weather events. Always verify the current status of specific facilities on the official website to ensure your planned activities are operational.
What happens next
Frontcountry camping at Hosmer Grove is scheduled to resume later this week following the initial restoration of park services.
Further reading
For more information on site accessibility, check out the latest updates on National Parks.
More information
Check the park conditions and update portal for the most current information regarding closures and reservation availability.
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